HalfRuns
Topo Trail Marathon Races

Topo Trail Marathon Races

Topo Trail Marathon offers a challenging 100% singletrack loop in East Fork State Park.

Race Date

Dec 6, 2026

Location

Bethel, OH

Standout68

Quick facts

Date
Sunday, December 6, 2026
Location
Bethel, Ohio
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 6.55 Miles, 26.2 Miles
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Trail
USATF certified
Not listed
Finishers on record
1,008

Highlights

Good For

Beginner Friendly

Atmosphere

Local CommunityGreat MedalWell Organized

Course

Shaded

The Experience

The Topo Trail Marathon series unfolds on the mountain bike trails of East Fork State Park, presenting a true test of endurance and trail running skill. The course is a demanding 6.55-mile loop, exclusively singletrack, requiring participants to complete one, two, or four laps for the Quarter, Half, or Full marathon distances, respectively.

Runners can expect aid stations stocked with water, Gatorade, bananas, and salty snacks at the start/finish, with water and Gatorade at intermediate stops. The event, first run in 2014 and now in its 9th edition, draws participants from around five states, with a median field size of approximately 195 finishers and a growing trend. About 24% of runners return, a testament to the race's loyal following.

This is a race for those who embrace the grit of trail running. The challenging terrain and the commitment to a singletrack loop make it a rewarding experience for dedicated runners seeking an adventure in the Ohio wilderness.

Race-provided description

Topo Trail Marathon Weekend Schedule  Sunday, December 7 Packet Pick Up (no race day registration) -- 7:00 am to 8:30 am Pre Race Meeting -- 8:45 am Race Start -- 9:00am for Full, 9:15am for Half, 9:30am for Quarter Race Cutoff -- 3:00pm       racers will not be permitted to start any lap after 3pm   About the race The Topo Trail Marathon will be held on the East Fork State Park mountain bike trails. There will be a 6.55 mile (Quarter) race, a 13.1 mile (Half) race, and a 26.2 mile (Full) race, something for everyone! The course will be a 6.55 mile loop, 100% on singletrack.  1 lap for the Quarter, 2 laps for the Half, and 4 laps for the Full. Waterstops at mile 2, mile 4.5, and mile 6.55. The waterstop at the start/finish will be fully stocked with water, Gatorade, bananas, and salty snacks.  All other aid stations will have water and Gatorade only.  Topo Buffs will be given to anyone who registers after the T Shirt deadline of Nov 14.   Registration (Discounted prices until Sept 15) Quarter: $30 Half: $45 Full: $70 The entry fee includes professional chip timing, portable restrooms, long sleeve race t shirt (t-shirt deadline is November 14), pint glass, and finisher medal.  Anyone who    Awards Finisher Medal for all finishers Directions to East Fork State Park Take I275 to the Route 125 exit.  Go East on Route 125 for approx. 10 miles to the East Fork State Park main entrance (Do not follow signs to the Campground).  Turn Left on S. Bantam Road, turn left into the park and turn left again onto Park Road 2.  Follow Park Road 2, the Indian Mound Picnic Area will be on your right. Lodging A block of rooms at a local hotel will be available closer to the race   There are also several motels at the SR125 exit off of I-275, about 15 miles from the start/finish. Motel Beechmont - 513-752-1800 Comfort Inn and Suites - 513-947-0100   East Fork State Park also has a full service campground, visit the park website for campground information Any additional information regarding the race will be posted on this website as the race date gets closer.

Logistics

Race Day

Sunday, December 6, 2026

Start Time

9:15 AM

Start Location

3294 Elklick Road, Bethel, OH, 45103

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

trail

Scenery

Forest

Surface

Dirt Trail

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

6.55 Miles26.2 Miles

Quality Score

Standout68
Methodology
Heritage18/20

9 years running

Size11/15

~195 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

growing or steady

Loyalty20/20

24% returning runners

Course & details3/15

5 timing sources

National draw4/10

runners from 5 states

Front-pack speed1/5

winner 1:30:44

Weather5/10

typical high 46°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

30°

Afternoon (High)

46°

Cool conditions — dress in layers, perfect for fast times

0.1"

Precipitation

12 mph

Wind

74%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 1,008 finishers actually crossed the line across 9 years.

Most recent

2025

Total finishers

1,008

Median time

2:39:06

Latest turnout

107

States

13

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:25p50 median ≈ 2:305:25

Turnout by year

20152025

'15'17'19'21'22'23'24'25
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Topo Trail Marathon Races?

The Topo Trail Marathon Races is held on Sunday, December 6, 2026, starting at 9:15 AM.

Where does the Topo Trail Marathon Races take place?

It takes place in Bethel, Ohio.

What distances does the Topo Trail Marathon Races offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 6.55 Miles, 26.2 Miles.

Is the Topo Trail Marathon Races course flat and good for a PR?

The Topo Trail Marathon Races is a ultra-flat, loop course course.

How many people run the Topo Trail Marathon Races?

HalfRuns has finish records for 1,008 runners who have completed the Topo Trail Marathon Races.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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